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Hundreds take out march for safer urban spaces for women

Last Updated 21 January 2017, 19:52 IST

Hundreds of people from all walks of life marched from KSR (City) Railway Station to Freedom Park on Saturday, demanding safer streets for women.

The march, triggered by the incidents of molestation of women on New Year’s Eve, was part of a nationwide movement called #IWillGoOut.

In over 30 cities across the country such as Delhi and Jaipur, people took to the streets and raised their voice against misogyny and sexual harassment. In Bengaluru, more than 500 people marched to the beat of street drummers. Holding placards, the participants raised slogans such as ‘my body, my right’ and ‘freedom for women’. College students turned up in large numbers and they were supported by senior citizens, expats and members of the sexual minorites.

Proving a point that public spaces are meant for women too, many were seen dancing fearlessly on the streets and in the park. Bengaluru artistes such as Bindu Malini and Deepti Sudhindra performed and several others gave speeches. “Karnataka has not put in even one line about making urban spaces safe for women in the budget being discussed and, that needs to change. Public pressure is the only way. It is a long struggle but this is only the beginning,” said Tara Krishnaswamy, part of the Bengaluru chapter of the movement and a member of Citizens for Bengaluru.

Members of several women’s rights groups participated and spoke against victim blaming.  The importance of reporting incidents of harassment was also stressed upon.

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(Published 21 January 2017, 19:52 IST)

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